1961 Showboat Dragster by xken - 1/8th scale - scratch built

[xken]

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.

 

[bruce d]

Fantastic job, Ken, and what a great subject.

I was lucky enough to see this beast run.  Tommy sold it to a guy (name long forgotten) who put a Buick station wagon body on and VIOLA! - instant funny car.  It was a crowd pleaser.  I have some 8mm film of it somewhere, now that you have reminded me.

Again, good job.

👍

[mtaylor]

What a great build, Ken.  I remember seeing that beast a couple times back in the day at local drag strips.   Not something I would want to drive but still... a showstopper.   I also saw his twin engine rail a few times. 

[Javlin]

Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!!!!! NICE!!!!!!

[Papa]

Fantastic model. scale?

[DocRob]

A definite jaw dropper, what a piece of excellent craftmanship, fantastic.

 

Cheers Rob

[Ryland Craze]

Your work always amazes me.  When I look at this model I feel that I am looking at the actual dragster.

[CDW]

That's just awesome Ken. A work of art. Hot-rodding a Buick of any kind was always a challenge because just about any high performance item that wasn't stock had to be custom machined. Of course, back in the day when this particular dragster was built, most all high performance items were custom machined. This was a car I wish I had seen live and in person but I don't think it ever raced in my hometown area. Ivo probably did match races with it as a headline featured race on tours. That's how I saw a lot of the old famous dragsters, at match races.

 

[Landlubber Mike]

Wow nice build Ken!

[Canute]

I remember building the plastic kit back then; forget the brand.

[CDW]

30 minutes ago, Canute said:

I remember building the plastic kit back then; forget the brand.

Revell. I’ve got a copy in the stash.

[popeye the sailor]

awesome looking model!..............so clean and well detailed!  sweet! 🤩